SEVENTEEN selfless volunteers who give their time to police North Yorkshire have been praised for their dedication.

Special constables, sergeants and inspectors were honoured with "medals and bars" long service awards at a special ceremony at North Yorkshire Police's Newby Wiske headquarters.

Both Chief Constable Dave Jones and police and crime commissioner Julia Mulligan thanked the group for their service. The chief constable said: "Our special constables deserve every bit of recognition for their selfless commitment in helping to keep North Yorkshire safe.

“Free time is very valuable, especially with today’s busy lifestyles and I would like to thank both the officers and their families for the sacrifices they have made, giving up their own time to support policing in North Yorkshire."

The force's highest ranking special, Special Constabulary Chief Officer Jerry Holland, was honoured for his 38 years’ service to policing ahead of his retirement in April.

Jerry has served as a special for three forces over his 41-year career, which started when he decided he wanted to help police during the IRA's mainland bombing campaign.

He has helped police the Pope's visit to York in 1982, royal visits and when a bomb exploded outside a York book shop in response to the publication of Salman Rushdie’s Satanic Verses. He was also on duty when Barry Prudom murdered PC David Haigh.

York's Special Sergeant Zoe Hodgkin was recognised for 19 years service which began when she joined a day after her 21st birthday and was posted to Acomb where she served for 12 years.

Now based at Fulford Road police station Zoe is head organiser of specials’ support for major events in the city. She balances her role as a Special Sergeant, overseeing a team of 12, with family life and her job as North Yorkshire Police's Special Constabulary Liaison Officer.

Like her, Acting Special Chief Inspector Neil Williams, who covers York and Selby, was awarded for 19 years’ service A former miner, Neil has worked for the Mines Rescue Service for many years and gives around 45 hours of his own time each month to policing in North Yorkshire.

Under Neil's leadership Selby specials have been the top performing team in the force and have taken responsibility for policing a wide range of events and activities including policing Selby’s night time economy.

Special Constables Steve Hodges and Jemma Kettlestring, based at York, both received an award for nine years’ service, as did Selby-based Special Inspector Kenneth Sedman.